The reign of Henry VII was a transformative period in English history, marked by political consolidation and stability. Henry's actions were similar to those of Renaissance princes, as he worked to consolidate and protect his power. He believed in strong and unquestioned rule, which helped him to restore stability to the English monarchy following the civil war. Henry also used dynastic royal marriages to establish his dynasty in England and maintain peace, such as his daughter Margaret's marriage to James IV of Scotland. Through his leadership, Henry was able to establish a strong foundation for the Tudor dynasty and set the stage for England's future success.
Economic reforms and expansion were also key achievements of Henry's reign. He oversaw the beginning of commercial expansion in England, which would eventually make the English people the wealthiest in the world. Henry's successful diplomatic achievement in the economy was the Magnus Intercursus of 1496, which allowed for increased trade between England and the Netherlands. However, Henry also faced economic challenges, such as his attempt to help the independent territory of Brittany, which required assistance. Despite these challenges, Henry's economic reforms and expansion laid the foundation for England's future prosperity and success.
The cultural and artistic achievements of Henry's reign cannot be overlooked. Tudor monarchs relied heavily on art and culture to establish their legitimacy and power, and Henry was no exception. Under his reign, there were significant advancements in literature, music, and the visual arts. For example, the printing press was introduced to England during Henry's reign, which led to the publication of many important works of literature . Furthermore, Henry's son, Henry VIII, would go on to inaugurate a wider program of social, religious, and economic reform. Overall, Henry VII's reign was a transformative period in English history, marked by significant achievements in politics, economics, and culture.